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Experimental bioadhesive sticks to wet brain tissue and wipes out most glioblastoma cells

Glyobastoma is the most common and aggressive brain tumor.It multiplies very quickly, is very invasive, and there is currently no treatment that is able to resolve the progression or cure it, which means that the life expectancy after diagnosis is very short.The standard procedure involves surgical resection of the tumor followed by radiation therapy and chemotherapy, but even with the aggressive treatment, relapses are very common, often in a year.

Now, in an article published in the journal Advanced Science, the research team led by Professor Víctor Yuste, from the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and the Institut de Neurociències de la UAB (INc-UAB), has designed and tested several bioadhesive layers that can be placed in the area where the tumor is removed during surgery, looking at all the remaining cancer cells.

The design of the patch was inspired by the way clams stick to rocks (using polyphenol-type molecules), which allows the material to adhere strongly to moist brain tissue and provide sustained drug release.

According to the results,Tested options include a patch containing catechins, green tea,The natural polyphenols found in cocoa and some fruits are the best at eliminating about 90% of cancer cells.These antioxidants cause cell death by increasing reactive oxygen species (ROS).

"If catechin is taken orally, it can cause unwanted systemic side effects. However, by sticking to the tumor removal area, it works locally, reducing or even preventing side effects," explained Professor Yuste.

In addition, "these materials exhibit high antimicrobial activity and excellent biocompatibility, which will help prevent infections and promote proper wound healing. Together with their low production cost and ease of production, they are a realistic option in terms of future development, scalability and interest from potential investors," adds José Bolanos-Cardet, researcher at theICN2.

The study, a collaboration between several research centers in Catalonia - INc-UAB, ICN2 and Bellvitge University Hospital - Catalan Oncology Institute (ICO) - Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL) could represent a major step forward in the treatment of glioblastoma and offer hope to patients facing this devastating diagnosis.

Jose Bolaños-Cardet et al, Muskuilu-Inspired Bioadhesive Patch to Selectively Kill Glioblastoma Cells, Advanced Science (2026).DOI: 10.1002/advs.202510658

Journal Information: Advanced Science